County Budget Public Hearing. Amendments and Confusing Process

I gotta say, I am just confused this year. Just when I think I know what is going on, I guess I figured out that I have no clue what is going on. Luckily, I can call supervisors and ask . . . but their process shouldn’t be that confusing that you need someone to explain it to you. First I’ll explain my concerns and frustrations, then I’ll let you know where to find the amendments . . . I think.

They have a public hearing on the budget tonight (7:00 Room 201 City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King), at the same time that the Board of Estimates will be considering the budget amendments to the city budget. Well, its 2 minutes before midnight when this got posted, so Monday night, technically.

COUNTY BUDGET PROCESS SUCKS
I started a blog on how the process sucks, both at the city and county, but I’m splitting it and combining it with the amendments.
Information on the website
Here is the information available on the County Board website about the budget process.

2013 Budget Review

County Board Committees have begun discussing 2013 budget issues. See the link below to upcoming meetings that may include discussion of the 2013 budget.

• County Board Standing Committee Budget Agendas and Minutes
• Schedule for Review of 2013 Dane County Budget

If you click on the link to the standing committee budget agendas, you just get the weekly meeting schedule, then you have to click on the link of the committee and then you will see previous minutes of meetings – but that won’t tell you when committees voted on budget items, or what they voted on, unless the minutes are done, and its too late to go to the meeting. You’d have to dig through the information on the second link, then find the agendas, then find the minutes to see what amendments were proposed. I’d suggest an amendment for the budget – more IT people and better programs to make information available to the public. It’s embarrassing at this point. Turns out, I guess the info you need is really here, but again, you have to follow several links to get the info you need. And then, it only tells you the results of some of them and if they aren’t voted on yet, it doesn’t tell you when the meeting might be. Additionally, that probably means if they haven’t voted, that there might be more amendments.

Public Testimony
I have been surprised a few times that they would actually not allow someone to testify at a second meeting on the same issues (the budget and other items), since they already took testimony. This seems incredibly unfair as they have new information, amendments they are introducing at they meetings and the public may have something to say about the new proposals. For example, if the Tenant Resource Center was going to get its funding cut at the Health and Human Needs Committee, I couldn’t testify at the meeting. First of all, because I may not know about the amendment and second of all, because they already had a hearing on the budget, before the amendments were recommended, so they don’t want to hear from the public again. Fortunately, at the last Health and Human Needs committee, the committee suspended the rules and let people speak to the amendments, but the only way to know what the amendments were was from one of the supervisors on the committee. And that was one of the committees who actually requested the amendments in advance. So, I’m not really sure what the budget hearing is on the budget tomorrow night or even really what is before them, so I guess you can testify on anything you want.

Availability of Amendments
Like I said, here are the amendments that were considered, but some of them failed in committee/ I’m not sure if they all have been voted on yet either. So, I’m not sure if you like or don’t like something that if you show up to testify on it, that they might not tell you that amendment is dead or no longer an issue. So, I’m frustrated, and I don’t really know how to answer questions about people who want to know how to figure out what they should be testifying about. So, mostly, people just give up and don’t know what they should testify about. I’m also not sure when the Personnel and Finance meeting will be where it all gets sorted out or if you’ll be able to speak there.

AMENDMENTS
Here are the department requests and here is the County Executive Joe Parisi’s budget and then the county board supervisors get to tinker with it.  Here’s my attempt to tell you what the amendments they made are. And what the Personnel and Finance Committee will be discussing at some point.

• Capital Budget Changes made under Sub.1 to Res.134 (PDF Format)

– BARN DEMO AND DESIGN 1,300,000 Removed
– CONCERT VENUE ENHANCEMENTS 165,000 Removed
– CNG IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 50,000 Removed
– MEDICAL EXAMINER BUILDING 3,750,000 Removed
– WI FI MOBILITY PROJECT 150,000 Removed
– BADGER PRAIRIE RE-USE 750,000 Removed
– WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT 150,000 Removed
– DIGESTER WATER TREATMENT PILOT 300,000 Removed
– STREAMBANK EASEMENTS 50,000 Removed
– VERONA COMMUNITY GARDENS 40,000 Removed
– BIKE GRANT PROGRAM 25,000 Removed
– SILVERWOOD PROJECT 150,000 Removed
– EAST SIDE GARAGE LAND ACQUISITION 800,000 Removed
– EAST SIDE GARAGE SOLAR 500,000 Removed
– CAPITAL OFFSET–FOR EASTSIDE GARAGE (1,300,000) Removed
– CO. HWY A 1,650,000 Removed
– CO. HWY W 1,850,000 Removed

• Operating Budget Changes made under Sub. 1 to Res. 133 (PDF Format)

– Deny Sheriff Aide position for EMP, delay deputy to 4/1/13 $ (81,800.00) Removed
– Emergency Mgt. LTE $ 17,010.00 Removed
– Youth Conservation Grants $ 10,000.00 Removed
– Re‐fund Park Maint. Tech 4/1/13 $ 49,300.00 Removed
– Deny Request to delay hiring of mechanical repair workers $ 25,600.00 Removed
– Vets Buss Pass program $ 8,250.00 Removed
– 911 Pre Hire LTE pilot program $ 12,000.00 Removed
– Add 2.0 FTE in LWR department (INFOS Model and Conservation Specialist) $ 1 00,000.00 Removed
– Info Mgt LTE for mobile app project $ 26,000.00 Removed
– DOA Special Projects position (4/1/13) $ 65,300.00 Removed
– ECI Project $ 54,595.00 Removed
– DD backfilling $ 87,199.00 Removed
– Drug Court Slots $ 50,000.00 Removed
– DD restoration $ 95,416.00 Removed
– CCI Reduction $ (91,800.00) Removed
– Establish HS Contingency $ 1 00,000.00 Removed
– Restore FSAT $ 18,000.00 Removed
– Detox Monday Beds $ 15,860.00 Removed
– Safe Communities Increase $ 5,000.00 Removed
– Overture Ticket discount for needy $ 5,000.00 Removed
– East Monona Senior Center $ 6,570.00 Removed
– Omega School $ 5,000.00 Removed
– Housing First annualization $ 15,000.00 Removed
– CPS social worker (new) 4/15/13 $ 45,915.00 Removed
– CPS social worker (new) 4/15/13 $ 45,915.00 Removed
– Huber Transportation Program $ 15,000.00 Removed
– Day Shelter (rent and operating through April) $ 50,000.00 Removed
– DAIS Vouchers $ 25,000.00 Removed
– Pathfinders Wait List $ 81,789.00 Removed

• Public Protection & Judiciary Committee Amendments Considered (PDF Format)

– PP&J-1 (Supervisor Rusk), Clerk of Courts, Alternatives to Incarceration Program (ATIP)
To add the following language to Res. 133, 11-12: “A study committee shall be established to explore the opportunities to relocate the ATIP program from the second floor of the CCB to the courthouse to enhance program security. The committee shall be composed of the following or their representatives: Clerk of Courts, County Board Chair, County Executive, Chief Judge, Chair of the Courthouse Security and Facilities Committee, and Chair of the Public Protection and Judiciary Committee . The committee shall provide a report of its recommendations to the County Executive, Security & Facilities Committee, and the PP&J committee by July 31, 2013 to ensure project inclusion in the 2014 budget. Staff support for the committee shall be provided by the Department of Administration.”

– PP&J-2 (Supervisor Rusk) Medical Examiner
To increase expenditures by $ 37,700 to increase the Limited Term Employees expenditures in the Medical Examiner’s Office.

The Medical Examiner’s Office has worked with the Medicolegal Investigators assigned to the Office o establish a new work schedule . The new schedule is intended to improve employee safety and productivity. Schedules will be modified from a twenty four hour shift with 16 consecutive work hours and 8 on call hours to a straight 12 hour shift. Implementing this new schedule , however, creates the need for additional staffing resources. Staff would like to pilot the new schedule for six months and then evaluate its effectiveness. This amendment provides sufficient LTE funding to fill the scheduling gap created by the new schedule and assumes that the new schedule will remain in place following the initial trial period.

– PP&J-3 (Supervisor Rusk) Sheriff’s Department Security Services Division – Decision Item #2 – Create New Positions
Move to deny the Deputy Sheriff I/II position, for Jail Diversion, contingent upon Jail Diversion ADP of 150 for 60 consecutive days and approve the Sheriff Aide position, effective 4/1/13 with no contingency regarding Jail Diversion ADP.

Approves creation of a Sheriff Aide Position effective 4/1/13.
The Sheriff Aide position will maintain the jail diversion equipment and inventory; will assist with scheduling inmate appointments and changing the schedule in the software to avert violation alerts; and will assist the Volunteer Coordinator with scheduling inmate work hours including school, treatment and transportation needs.

The workload for the Jail Diversion staff continues to increase with more inmates on Diversion. This position is required to assist Jail Diversion Deputies with inmate enrollment and monitoring, allowing for continued success and future growth of the Program. Current evidence suggests diversion initiatives reduce recidivism and incarceration among adults with serious mental illness, including those with co-occurring substance abuse disorders. Jail Diversion allows for fewer individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders to enter the criminal justice system.

– PP&J-4 (Supervisor Rusk) Sheriff’s Office Capital Budget – Fingerprint System Replacement
Move to increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds in the Sheriff’s Office Capital Program by $28,400, account line CPSHRF 57445 Fingerprint System

The fingerprint system currently in use was purchased in 2004, is obsolete, and has reached the end of its useful life. Notice has been received that the current system will no longer be maintained or repaired. When the current system fails the jail will have to resort to rolling with ink and paper cards.

For well over a century, fingerprinting has been the accepted verifiable method of personal identification. Recently, there have been tremendous technological advances in the science of fingerprinting. Live scan fingerprinting is a technological development of forensic science that makes it possible for a fingerprint to be taken electronically and sent to law enforcement for identification. Live scan fingerprinting is inkless and captures the fingerprint digitally on a computer. The prints are then forwarded electronically to the FBI, Department of Justice or another authorized agency for a criminal background check or for other purposes.

– PP&J-5 (Supervisor Rusk) Sheriff’s Office Capital Budget, Squad Video System Replacement
Move to increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds in the Sheriff’s Office Capital Program by $407,000, account line CPSHRF 58672 Squad Video System Replacement, to replace obsolete squad video equipment.

The current squad video system, Digital Patroller 1, is eight years old, no longer under a maintenance contract, and not supported by the manufacture. Maintenance issues and lack of replacement parts cause the Digital 1 Patroller to fail resulting in loss of critical video evidence. The Digital Patroller 1 squad video system has reached the end of it’s useful life and requires replacement.

Squad video systems are a vital tool for collecting evidence and are required by law, for many cases. Squad video systems allow Deputies the ability to interview suspects in their patrol car, eliminating a trip to the Precinct to conduct interviews. Squad video cameras provide real time, factual recording of incidents that can be used as evidence and to investigate complaints against Deputies. Video cameras enhance the accuracy of report writing, the establishment of truth, deter abuses by Deputies, limit complaints against Deputies about alleged abuses, and help restore and build confidence in the fairness of policing efforts.

– PP&J-6 (Supervisor Rusk) Administration, Capital Budget
To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $3,750,000 to provide funds for design and construction of a facility to house the Medical Examiner’s office at a location other than the PSB. There are no existing county facilities that can meet the needs of the Medical Examiner’s Office as it expands its role in serving the needs of Dane County.

Funding would provide for design and construction of a new facility for the Medical Examiner’s Office.

This facility is needed for two reasons. First, as the caseload for the medical examiner has increased, the current
facilities at the PSB are becoming inadequate. Second, moving the medical examiner’s office to another location
other than the PSB will free up space on the second floor of the PSB for use for a future special needs facility
operated by the Sheriff’s Office. Planning for this facility is just beginning, but for operational purposes, it is highly desireable that it be located in the PSB.

– PP&J-7 (Supervisor Dye) Public Safety Communications
To add the following language to Res. 133: “The Public Safety Communications Department is authorized to initiate a pilot pre-hire program using limited term employees with a goal of reducing overtime expenditues.”

Due to the attrition level among communicators, it is not uncommon for new vacancies to occur during the time a training cycle is complete. There is a strong relationship between the number of communicator vacancies and overtime expenditues. If the department were to hire LTE staff and train those individuals, it is likely that a vacancy among permanent staff would emerge allowing a trained pre-hire LTE to fill that vacancy immediately.

• Zoning & Land Regulation Committee Amendments Considered (PDF Format)

– ZLR-1 (Supervisor Hendrick) Capital Budget, Treasurer, Reg. Of Deeds, Planning
Zoning and Land Regulation, passed 3-0

To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds revenue in the amount of $1,050,000 to provide funding to remodel the space in the first floor of the CCB currently occupied by the Treasurer, Register of Deeds and Planning and Development Department.

– ZLR-2 (Supervisor Miles) Capital Budget, Planning and Development – Records and Support
Zoning and Land Regulation, passed 3-0

Increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $40,000 to fund the beginning of phase 2 of the remonumentation project

This amendment restores $40,000 to the 2013 capital budget to initiate the second phase of the Department of Planning and Development’s multi-year Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Remonumentation Project. The first phase is currently underway in 2012 and will extend into the first half of 2013. The first phase of the project is a pilot effort to check and replace deteriorated monuments of the PLSS survey infrastructure in the town of Cottage Grove. In order to avoid loss of momentum on the project and a six-month lag time between completion of Phase 1 and the start of Phase 2, this amendment is proposed to at least enable completion of survey remonumentation for an additional township in 2013. $40,000 is the current cost estimate of survey monument verification and replacement per township based on data and information derived thus far from Phase 1. The ultimate goal of the larger project is to complete the entire county over a period of 8 to 12 years, depending on subsequent progress and capital budget availability: The project will require recurring annual capital appropriations over this duration.

– ZLR-3 (Supervisor Miles) Planning and Development – Planning
Zoning and Land Regulation, passed 3-0

To increase expenditures by $100,000 to re-establish the Better Urban Infill Land Development (BUILD) program.

The BUILD program was launched in 1999 to foster the following objectives: make better use of existing infrastructure; locate community services, jobs, and shopping in close proximity; stabilize and enhance existing neighborhoods, downtowns, and other business districts; produce housing and jobs for low to moderate-income people; avoid converting productive farmland on urban fringes and rural areas; provide viable options to auto trips by supporting walking, biking, and transit; and have the potential to clean up environmentally contaminated sites. It’s final year of funding was 2009. The program issued over 70 grants to municipalities for development plans for infill, downtown redevelopment etc.

This popular and successful program should be re-established by Dane County so that municipalities can further the goals of in-fill development.

– ZLR-4 (Supervisor Miles) Planning and Development – Planning
Zoning and Land Regulation, passed 3-0

To increase expenditures by $2,500 in the Planning and Development Department to pay the incremental costs associated with an in-fill development inventory.

Planning and Development Department will complete an inventory of parcels available for infill development within cities and villages outside of the city of Madison. The inventory would be based on established criteria developed in concert with the cities and villages. The final product would be made publicly available online for all interested stakeholders and would be routinely updated.

The goal of the project is to promote more compact urban and suburban development, increasing utilization of existing developed lands, and lessening peripheral development when possible. It is expected that objectives such as farmland preservation, natural resource and wildlife habitat protection, better utilization of existing public infrastructure, municipal financial resource efficiencies, and enabling more walkable and bikable communities will be served by the project.

• Public Works & Transportation Committee Amendments Considered (PDF Format)

– PWT-1 (Supervisor St (?? Stubbs ??)) Public Works, Highway, and Transportation – CTH Construction
Public Works and Transportation, no recommendation to determine if the project can be done using capital spending 3-2

Expenditures and borrowing proceeds be increased by $300,000 in the Department of Public Works, Highway, and Transportation to provide matching funds to the Town of Madison for two road improvement projects: the intersection of Rimrock Road and Moorland Road, and the contruction of a road to link the Southdale neighborhood to the Novation plat.

This amendment would provide 50% of the cost of two road improvements in the Town of Madison.

The Southdale neighborhood in the Town of Madison is a low to moderate income area that would benefit from better transportation linkages to main roads. This amendment would provide approximately $150,000 for a 250 foot section at the intersection of Rimrock Road and Moorland Road, and $150,000 for the construction of a road linking the Southdale neighborhood to the Novation campus. This $300,000 represents a 50% cost share of the projects.

– PWT-2a (Supervisors Schmidt, Corrigan, Stubbs) Alliant Energy Center of Dane County – Design Study and Action Plan
Public Works and Transportation, passed 5-0
Increase expenditure and borrowing proceeds $100,000 to fund a Strategic Design Study and Action Plan to Address the Future of the Alliant Energy Center (AEC) Campus with a specific emphasis by the county on how to enhance the market position of AEC through capital investment in AEC facilities.

This amendment provides an additional $100,000 in expenditures and borrowing proceeds to carry out a Strategic Design Study and Action Plan to Address the Future of the Alliant Energy Center (AEC) Campus with a specific emphasis by the county on how to enhance the market position of AEC through capital investment in AEC facilities.

The Alliant Energy Center campus is one of Dane County’s greatest economic development assets. For a variety of reasons, AEC’s revenues are declining and the venue is challenging to sell to new customers.

To maximize the economic benefit from this asset, the County needs to invest in and lead a study which will result in a strategic vision and market-driven, financially sustainable design and plan for the AEC campus with a specific emphasis by the county on how to enhance the market position of AEC through capital investment in AEC facilities.

– PWT-2b (Supervisors Schmidt, Corrigan, Stubbs) Alliant Energy Center of Dane County – Design Study and Action Plan
Public Works and Transportation, passed 5-0

The following provision shall be added to Res. 134, 12-13: “Strategic Design Study and Action Plan to Address Future of Alliant Energy Center (AEC) Campus

Purpose: To provide matching funds with GMVCB and the City of Madison to issue an RFP for developing a long term vision for the AEC gateway area with a specific emphasis by the county on how to enhance the market position of AEC through capital investment in AEC facilities.

Invested partners include Dane County, the City of Madison, the Greater Madison Visitors and Convention Bureau, UW Madison, other private partners and neighborhood representatives.

This study is to be directed by a Committee appointed jointly by the parties to the study and comprised of a representatives from each of the following: Dane County (2), the City of Madison (1), the Town of Madison (1), the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (1), and the Madison Area Sports Commission (1).”

This amendment directs the development and capital funding of a Strategic Design Study and Action Plan to Address the Future of the Alliant Energy Center (AEC) Campus with a specific emphasis by the county on how to enhance the market position of AEC through capital investment in AEC facilities.

The Alliant Energy Center campus is one of Dane County’s greatest economic development assets. For a variety of reasons, AEC’s revenues are declining and the venue is challenging to sell to new customers.

To maximize the economic benefit from this asset, the County needs to invest in and lead a study which will result in a strategic vision and market-driven, financially sustainable design and plan for the AEC campus with a specific emphasis by the county on how to enhance the market position of AEC through capital investment in AEC facilities.

– PWT-3 (Supervisors Schmidt and Erickson) Public Works Capital Budget
Public Works and Transportation, passed 5-0

To Increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $50,000 to replenish the Green Energy/Green Jobs Sustainability Fund.

The Green Energy Green Jobs Sustainability fund was established in the amount of $100,000 in the 2009 capital budget. This fund is designed to assist county departments to meet sustainability goals for capital purchases. The fund has been subject to capital freezes through the years, but the county expects to expend approximately $50,000 in the remainder of 2012. This amendment would replenish the funds expected to be spent in 2012.

– PWT-4 (Supervisor Veldran) Public Works and Transportation – Capital Budget
Public Works & Transporation, passed 3-1-1

To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $200,000 for the county to make a contribution toward the construction of a skateboard park in Central Park in the City of Madison.

This amendment provides for $200,000 in expenditures and borrowing proceeds towards the creation of a skatepark, with additional funds from outside Dane County from the City of Madison and private fundraising.

The Mayor’s budget includes partial funding to construct a skateboard park in Central Park. This amendment provides additional funding. The city and county contributions will be supplemented with the proceeds of a private fundraising effort. The addition of a skatepark in downtown Madison will benefit a wide variety of users and many youth throughout the Dane County region. This will also be a facility that will dissuade skateboarding on and around downtown Madison private and public buildings.

The City of Madison is committed to spending $300,000 in its 2013 capital budget. The Madison Skatepark Fund is committed to raising the remainder of the funds needed for the $750,000 project.

– PWT-5 (Supervisor Veldran) Public Works and Transportation – Parking Ramp
Public Works & Transportation, passed 5-0

To add the following language to Res. 133: “The Department of Public Works, Highway and Transportation shall analyze the feasibility of installing electric vehicle charging stations in County-owned parking lots, including the Dane County Parking Ramp. The analysis should include a review of the technical feasibility and requirements for installation, the costs associated with acquisition and installation, and any grant opportunities that may be available to finance the installations. If feasible installation opportunities exist, the Department shall further provide an implementation plan for one or more installations. The Department shall report its findings to the Public Works and Transportation Committee on or before June 1, 2013.

Dane County is a leader in alternative and renewable energy sources, as well as sustainability practices. The use of electric vehicles is increasing and should continue into the future. Dane County should use its facilities to add to the use of electric vehicle charging stations for easier accessibility for users.

– PWT-6 (Supervisor Pertl) Public Works – Parking Ramp
Public Works & Transportation, passed 5-0

Increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $76,575 to install a secured access bicycle parking enclosure in the Dane County parking ramp to serve Dane County employees primarily and members of the public secondarily who commute by bicycle.

There are many benefits to bicycle commuting , including improved health and well-being, cost savings on transportation, and reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Dane County seeks to create incentives for more of its employees to commute to work in environmentally -and health-friendly ways, such as bicycling. Many of Dane county’s employees already bike commute to county facilities, downtown and elsewhere. A secured access bike parking enclosure that provides additional amenities to users of the facility will provide an additional incentive to existing and potential bike commuters .There will be a small annual fee for use of the enclosure facility.
The secure bicycle parking enclosure could include the following amenities:
– Stainless steel wire mesh enclosure located in existing Dane County parking ramp bike parking area
– RFID secured access entrance
– Stack racks for bike parking (with capacity for approximately 50 bicycles)
– A bike maintenance stand
– A u-lock holder for secure and convenient storage of locks
– Bike docks
– Commute tracking hub for users to track their daily commute miles and other commute measurements, such as calories, emissions avoided, etc.

– PWT-7 (Supervisor Schmidt) Alliant Energy Center – Coliseum Capital
Public Works & Transportation, passed 5-0

To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $165,000 for construction of a theater curtain system for the Coliseum . This would help attract smaller events and concerts to the Coliseum.

– PWT-8 (Supervisor Schmidt) Alliant Energy Center – Ag Exhibit Buildings-Capital
Public Works & Transportation, passed 5-0

To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $1,300,000 for planning, design, and preparation for construction of two replacement barns. This project reflects option 4 from the final study report from Strang Inc. It is anticipated that the project would be funded through a partnership between Dane County, the State of Wisconsin, and user contributions.

– PWT-9 (Supervisor Schmidt) Highway – CTH Construction- Capital
Public Works & Transportation, passed 4-1

To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $1,850,000 for CTH W (USH 51 to USH 12) for resurfacing and replacing major structures . The existing pavement shows excessive distress and this improvement would reduce routine
maintenance costs.

– PWT-10 (Supervisor Schmidt) Highway – CTH Construction- Capital
Public Works & Transportation, passed 4-1

To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $1,650,000 CTH A (STH 78 to CTH G) for resurfacing and adding bike lanes. The existing pavement shows excessive distress and this improvement would reduce routine maintenance costs.

– PWT-11 (Supervisor Schmidt) Highway – Fleet & Facilities- Capital
Public Works & Transportation, passed 5-0

To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $1,300,000 for land acquisition and for acquisition and installation of photovotalic panels for the East Highway Garage. The 2012 Capital Budget includes funds for contstruction of a highway garage at the landfill site. This provides funds to pursue a site adjacent to the landfill due to the current plan to expand the landfill. Also, this will provide funds for installation of solar planels to provide part of the energy for the facility.

• Health & Human Needs Committee Amendments Considered (PDF Format)

– HHN-1 (Supv. Sargent, Levin, Wegleitner, Hotchkiss, Krause, Zweifel, Clausius) Human Services – Various
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Restores County Executive Human Services and Veterans Affairs Amendments for a net expense increase of $900,375, revenue increase of $362,696 and a net GPR increase of $537,679.

+2.0 FTE Child Protective Services Social Workers

There are several allusions to attached details that I can’t find.

– HHN-2 (Supervisor Stubbs) Human Services
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

To add the following language to Res. 133: “Priority admission to the Drug Court Treatment Program shall be offered to African American males who have been referred to the program. Priority admission shall mean either immediate admission or priority placement on a waiting list for the Drug Court Treatment Program. African American males admitted to the Drug Court Treatment Program shall be assigned first to Genesis Social Services Corporation for case management services. This provision is not intended to supersede admission priorities that may be identified by state or federal funding sources.”

“Dane County contracts with three different agencies to provide case management services to the participants of the Dane County Drug Court Treatment Program. One of those agencies, Genesis Social Services Corporation is designated to work primarily with African American male participants. At the end of September 2012, there were no African Americans participating in the Dane County Drug Court Treatment Program. The County Board encourages the DCDCTP to adopt measures that will attract persons of color into the program.”

– HHN-3 (Supervisor Stubbs) Human Services – ACS-Alternative Sanction
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Adds $10,500 to fund four additional drug court case management slots with a priority on African American participants.

Priority admission to the Drug Court Treatment Program shall be offered to African American males who have been referred to the program. Priority admission shall mean either immediate admission or priority placement on a waiting list for the Drug Court Treatment Program. African American males admitted to the Drug Court Treatment Program shall be assigned first to Genesis Social Services Corporation for case management services. This provision is not intended to supersede admission priorities that may be identified by state or federal funding sources. The County Board encourages the DCDCTP to adopt measures that will attract persons of color into the program.

– HHN-4 (Supervisor Stubbs) Human Services – ACS-Alternative Sanction
Health & Human Needs – no action

Eliminates $10,500 from the Huber Center transportation initiative.

– HHN-5 (Supv. Levin, Hotchkiss, Sargent, Clausius, Wegleitner, Krause, Zweifel) Human Services – Capital Projects – BPHCC
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Increase Capital Projects for Badger Prairie remodeling and outbuilding. Per Rob Nebel at Public Works the breakdown for the costs for the 2013 Capital Budget should be $100,000 – C & D Neighborhood remodeling and $140,000 – Outbuilding for vehicle and maintenance equipment.

– HHN-6 (Supv. Sargent, Wegleitner, Clausius, Krause, Hotchkiss, Levin, Zweifel) Human Services – CYF-AODA & ACS-Alternative Sanction
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Technical adjustment increasing OWI Court revenue and distributing expenses accordingly to annualize Federal funding and reflect the 2013 calendar year funding levels and contracts. (more details at link)

The Dane County OWI Court began operating July 2011. This grant-funded program is funded on the federal fiscal year (Oct.-Sep.). A re-application filed with the state triggers funds to be distributed to Dane County each federal fiscal year. The current budget includes amounts that fund services through September 30, 2013. This action annualizes the funds that support this program.

– HHN-7 (Supv. Zweifel, Levin, Clausius, Hotchkiss, Krause, Wegleitner, Sargent) Human Services – Children Youth and Family Support
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Adds $15,795 for expanded Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) space and office setup cost.

Uses funds left from the reduction of the equivalent of 1 residential care slot to fund the expansion of ECI space in
Sun Prairie.

– HHN-8 (Supv. Sargent, Levin, Zweifel, Clausius, Hotchkiss, Krause, Wegleitner) Human Services – CYF Support Services
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

This is to affirm that the intent of 2 of the 3 Child Protective Services (CPS) social worker positions added to the 2013 budget are meant to be placed in CPS intake or ongoing units and assigned a caseload. So far in 2012 referrals to CPS have increased over 15% in number and a great deal in severity. Turnover and stress among CPS social workers are high. A CPS workload study completed in 2009 indicated the recommended sizes for caseloads and staffing. Based on those recommendations, these 2 positions are needed to be added to the caseload carrying staff to address increased caseload.

– HHN-9 (Supv. Levin, Sargent, Clausius, Zweifel, Hotchkiss, Krause, Wegleitner) Human Services – CYF- AODA
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Eliminates $15,000 for the alcohol community coalition and funds for psychiatric follow-up, psychotropic medication, and case management for individuals who have chronically struggled with alcohol dependence and mental illness.

This will be used to add funds for psychiatric follow-up, psychotropic medication, and case management for individuals who have chronically struggled with alcohol dependence and mental illness.

– HHN-10 (Supervisor Zweifel, Sargent, Levin, Krause, Hotchkiss, Clausius, Wegleitner) Human Services – Administration
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $485,000 to fund the purchase of software and hardware that will provide Child Protective Service social workers with the ability to access and update case files on mobile devices.

– HHN-11 (Supervisor Bayrd, Stubbs) Human Services – CY&F Juvenile Delinquency Supervision
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Expenditures be increased by $60,000 for a restorative justice program focused primarily on middle-school aged youth to be delivered in partnership with Dane County school districts and add the following language to Res. 133: “The budget includes $60,000 in funding for a restorative justice program to be targeted for the following middle schools: Cardinal Heights Upper, Savanna Oaks, and Jefferson and Wright in Madison. The RFP process for this project will be
completed by July 31, 2013, so that implementation can begin in the fall of 2013 school year.”

This amendment provides funding for a new initiative in the Department of Human Services, Children, Youth and Families Division, Juvenile Delinquency Supervision Program for a restorative justice program focused on middle-school
aged youth. As with other initiatives, it is anticipated that a purchase of service agency would deliver this program. An RFP process would be required to choose the POS agency.

The amendment adds $60,000 in the Department of Human Services, Division of Children, Youth and Families, Juvenile Delinquency Supervision Program for a new restorative justice initiative focused on middle school aged youth. The goal of the restorative justice approach is to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system by keeping
youth out of the system.

– HHN-12 (Supervisor Bayrd, Sargent, Levin, Zweifel, Clausius, Hotchkiss, Krause, Wegleitner) Human Services – Capital Budget
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

I move to increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $1.7 million to allow the county to purchase and renovate an existing building to serve as a single room occupancy (SRO) housing facility and add the following language to Res. 134, 12-13: “The Dane County Housing Authority (DCHA) is hereby designated to be the agency to operate the SRO facility included in the Capital Budget. The County will consult with the DCHA in the selection of a building and the specifications for any renovation.”

This amendment would allow for the county to purchase and renovate a building to serve as a SRO housing facility. The facility would be operated under a contract with a non-profit provider and would fill a vital need within the housing continuum in Dane County.

Dane County lacks adequate SRO resources. This housing segment provides important opportunities in preventing and alleviating homelessness. It is intended that the county will work with the DCHA to locate and renovate a facility to meet this critical housing need. DCHA will operate the facility under a lease with the county.

– HHN-13 (Supervisor Salov) Human Services – Administration
Health & Human Needs failed 1-6

To increase expenditures by $ 88,000 to add 1.0 FTE Information Technology Business Analyst position in the Administration Division of the Human Services Department beginning 4/1/13.

This amendment adds a 1.0 FTE IT business analyst position in the department of human services. The position was requested by the department and denied by the County Executive.

There is a backlog of IT related projects important to the Department of Human Services. This position would be responsible for analyzing the business rules that are behind these projects, leaving other IT professionals more time to complete the projects.

– HHN-14 (Supervisor Wegleitner) Human Services – Economic Assistance
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Add the following language to Res. 133, 12-13: “Staff from Planning & Development and Human Services are directed to assist with the development of a housing plan as required by Res 292, 11-12. One of the most critical and time-sensitive objectives of the plan related to housing development is increasing the number of single room occupancy housing units by 100 units and the number of housing units affordable to families supporting themselves on SSI or W-2 by 100 units to September 1, 2015.

In order to effectively determine where these housing units are most needed and which ones should be built with county funding, the Human Services Board and County staff and policy makers would benefit from a housing needs study. This housing needs study would ascertain the existing housing stock of each of the municipalities within Dane County as well as the existing housing needs, in terms of income levels, age groups, household sizes, and persons with special needs, as called for in the Dane County Comprehensive Plan. Based on the results of the housing needs study, Dane County can pursue development of the additional units required by Resolution 292 in the most appropriate areas of the County.”

– HHN-15 (Supervisor Wegleitner) Human Services – Economic Assistance
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

Increase expenditures in the operating budget by $74,900 to provide funding to operate a homeless day resource center through all of calendar year 2013.

The County Executive’s budget provides funding for a homeless day resource center from January through April 2013. The needs of the homeless for day shelter services extends throughout the calendar year, not just during the winter months. This amendment provides funding to operate the center for the balance of 2013. The funding for this amendment is provided by two additional amendments, one to un-fund a Park Maintenance Technician and one to delay filling two Mechanical Repair Worker positions.

– HHN-16 (Supervisor Wegleitner) Capital Budget – Human Services – Economic Assistance
Health & Human Needs passed 7-0

To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $600,000 to purchase and renovate a facility to serve as a permanent homeless day resource center.

This amendment provides funding to establish a permanent homeless day resource center as provided in Res. 84, 2012-2013.

• Executive Committee Amendments Considered (PDF Format)

– Exec-1 (Supervisor McDonell) County Executive – Cultural Affairs
Executive, Passed 6-0

Decrease revenue by $14,800 in the office of Cultural Affairs.

The County Executive Budget proposed an arrangement where the Cultural Affairs Director would provide services to the Airport to organize art exhibitions in the gallery space at the airport terminal. This amendment restores the prior arrangement where a contractor will provide those services.

– Exec-2 (Supervisors Schmidt and Miles) County Board
Executive, Failed 2-4

To add the following language to res. 133: “The County Board, using funds included in the 2013 Operating budget will initiate an audit to identify by program area the land and water (including lake management) functions within Dane
County that can be more efficient and/or effective through re-alignment, sharing of staff and/or reallocating resources. The audit should focus on activities currently undertaken by the following departments: Public Works, Land and Water Resources, Administration and Planning and Development.

This audit will identify each program area that addresses land or water management and describe the current organization, purpose of the program, the FTE associated with the program (number and budget), the FTE workload
associated with the program (and seasonal FTE needs), the Standing Committee responsible for oversight of the program and other programs with which it is interdependent. It should also include detailed organization charts indicating
current staff to supervisor ratios, position classifications and current vacancies. The audit should also propose three alternative structures in which similar functions can be realigned so as to avoid duplication of efforts, maximize FTE, maximize sharing of resources and staff, maximizing optimal staff to supervisor ratios and fill in gaps where inadequate FTE are identified.”

This amendment seeks to specify the use of funds available in the County Board office budget to conduct a program audit of activities related to land and water management throughout various county departments.

– Exec-3 (Supervisor Hotchkiss) County Board – Legislative Services
Executive, failed 3-3

Expenditures be increased by $5,000 for a new line item for limited term employees (LTE) in the Office of the County Board.

This amendment would increase the County Board’s capacity to conduct research and develop polioy alternatives for the many issues facing the county. An LTE line could be used to hire either work study students through the university or a short term employee .

There is interest in expanding the capacity of the County Board Office to perform research and develop policy alternatives on a number of issues. An LTE line with funding of $5,000 would allow the County Board to make use of interns or work study students.

– Exec-4 (Supervisor Hotchkiss) County Board – Legislative Services
Executive, passed 3-2

Expenditures be increased by $5,000 for Outreach Services – POS in the Office of the County Board.

This amendment would increase the County Board’s capacity to communicate with the public regarding the work of the Board and the many issues facing the county.

The County Board budget includes $10,000 for outreach services – POS. This amendment provides an additional $5,000 for this activity to allow the County Board to work with a consultant on outreach activities to inform the public of critical county issues.

– Exec-5 (Supervisor McDonell) County Clerk – Administration
Executive, passed 5-0

Expenditures be increased by $4,000 in the Office of the County Clerk, administration Division for conference and training.

This amendment increases expenditures for conference and training in the Office of the County Clerk.

The amendment provides increased funding for conferences and training for the Office of the County Clerk.

– Exec-6 (Supervisor McDonell) County Clerk – Elections
Executive, passed 5-0

Expenditures be increased by $5,000 fin the Office of the County Clerk, Elections Division to fund outreach services including voter education, workshops for elections workers, and possibly a POS contract for publicity regarding changing election laws.

This amendment provides funds to continue voter education and outreach in the Office of the County Clerk.

The County Board is considering a resolution to allocate $2,500 to the League of Women Voters for voter outreach in the fall of 2012. This amendment would provide $5,000 for outreach activities throughout 2013 to include voter education, election worker workshops, and public information.

– Exec-7 (Supervisor McDonell) County Clerk – Elections
Executive, passed 3-2

Expenditures and borrowing proceeds be increased by $2.5 million in the Office of the County Clerk, Elections Division to cost share with local governments for 50% of the cost of new voting machines .

This amendment increases expenditures and borrowing proceeds for voting machines. There are 189 machines and the cost of each is approximately $12,000. Additionally, new software and computers would cost appoximately $75,000. Municipalities would pay for 50% of the cost of machines , with a few exceptions in areas with very few electors.

The amendment provides increased exdpenditures , revenues, and borrowing for the Office of the County Clerk in order to cost share new voting machines. The current machines are over 23 years old. Municipalities that cannot afford to pay for their equipment could repay the county over 3 to 5 years, per an intergovernmental agreement. The intergovernmental agreement should also specify ownership and maintenance requirements.

• Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee Amendments Considered (PDF Format)

(not sure why there is only one amendment and its labeled item 20, are there 19 missing amendments? Perhaps they only discussed capital budget items? No clue.)

– EANR-20 (Supervisor Downing) Land and Water Resources – Capital Budget
Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, passed 4-0

Increase expenditures and revenues by $25,000 to establish a bike safety grant program.

Bicycle safety is an important issue in Dane County. This program would allow towns in Dane County to apply for funding for small bike safety improvements such as signs, shouldders and other items.

• Personnel & Finance Committee Amendments Proposed (PDF Format)

(They don’t appear to have voted on these yet.)

– P&F-1 (Supervisor Corrigan) Administration
The following provision shall be added to Res. 133, 12-13: “In order to reduce costs, reduce waste, and reduce negative environmental impacts, staff from Purchasing, Information Management, Printing and Services, and the Office of the County Board’s Sustainability Coordinator are directed to research and develop a formal, comprehensive policy for the procurement, replacement, and operation of all county printing and copying devices for inclusion in Dane County’s Administrative Practices Manual. In addition to addressing printing and copying devices, the policy also will include guidelines for the reduction of paper use. The research also will address options for tracking and measurement of progress due to the new policy. Development of the policy will be accompanied by a communication plan to disseminate the new policy to all county personnel to ensure successful implementation. This new policy will be effective January 1, 2013.”

This amendment directs staff from Purchasing, Information Management, Printing and Services, and the Office of the County Board’s Sustainability Coordinator to research and develop a formal, comprehensive policy for the procurement, replacement, and operation of all county printing and copying devices, and paper reduction practices for inclusion in Dane County’s Administrative Practices Manual. It also directs staff to identify options for measurement and tracking of these changes and to develop a communication plan to disseminate information on the new policy to all county staff.

A comprehensive, formal, and enforceable set of policies and best practices for the procurement, replacement, and operation of all county printing and copying devices and for paper use across county operations will result in reduced costs, reduced waste, and reduced negative environmental impacts for Dane County government.

– P&F-2 (Supervisor Solberg) Human Services – Administration
To increase expenditures by $ 88,000 to add 1.0 FTE Information Techology Business Analyst position in the Administration Division of the Human Services Department beginning 4/1/13.

This amendment adds a 1.0 FTE IT business analyst position in the department of human services. The position was requested by the department and denied by the County Executive.

There is a backlog of IT related projects important to the Department of Human Services. This position would be
responsible for analyzing the business rules that are behind these projects, leaving other IT professionals more time
to complete the projects.

– P&F-3 (Supervisor Corrigan) Administration
Increase expenditures by $65,300 to add a 1.0 FTE Special Projects Coordinator in the Department of Administration, with a projected hire date of 4/1/13. This position will assist in budget development and support the Director of Administration with public policy research projects and development of the County strategic plan.

– P&F-4 (Supervisor Corrigan) Administration – Maintenance and Construction
Increase expenditures by $25,600 to deny the department request to delay filling (2) 0.5 FTEMechanical Repair Worker positions (G 16) .

This amendment allows immediate fill of two Mechnical Repair Worker positions in 2013 instead of delaying hires until 5/26/13.

The Department of Administration budget request included funds to fill the two Mechical Repair worker positions on 5/26/13. This amendment advances the fill dates for these two positions so important maintenance needs can be addressed.

– P&F-5 (Supervisor Corrigan) Information Management
Increase LTE expenditures by $26,000to allow for development and maintenance of a mobile application for the Parks reservation system and an online appointment scheduling system for the Veterans Service Office.

– P&F-6 (Supervisor Corrigan) Administration – Capital Budget
To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $750,000 to provide funds to remodel the Badger Pairie Admin building to accomodate the needs of the Emergency Management and Public Safety Communications department.

This project will provide funds to re‐use the building to house the Emergency Management department and the PUblic Safety Communications back‐up center.

– P&F-7 (Supervisor Corrigan) Administration – Capital Budget
To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $150,000 to provide funds for a mobile network and design project to design and implement mobile connectivity throughout Dane County.

This project will provide funds for a needs assessment and evaluation of mobile and wireless technology options that will best meet the needs of users and customers requesting access to county resources utilizing this technology.

– P&F-8 (Supervisor Corrigan) Administration – Capital Budget
To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $150,000 to provide funds to site and construct one small-scale wind turbine on Dane County property.

This project will provide funds to demonstrate the County’s commitment to renewable, clean energy;reduce county energy costs and improve airquality; and create green jobs for local companies.

– P&F-9 (Supervisor Corrigan) Administration – Capital Budget
To increase expenditures and borrowing proceeds by $50,000 to provide funds for an analysis and plan to further conversion of the county’s vehicle fleet to CNG.

Funding would provide a plan that will guide future fleet and infrastructure investments in CNG Technology so that it can maximize its investment.

CONCLUSION
Well, you have all the info I have . . . not sure I really understand it all – I guess I need another briefing by a supervisor to understand it all. But, there is plenty to testify about tonight at 7:00. And I guess you can testify about items not on this list as well if something is missing, they can still submit amendments at Personnel and Finance as well as at the Board meeting – but usually they have it all sewed up by then, so the time is now.